Outlander fan map goes live as part of VisitScotland drive

Tourism chiefs are launching a map of Outlander locations so that fans of the books and new TV series can follow in the footsteps of its characters.

Tourism chiefs are launching a map of Outlander locations so that fans of the books and new TV series can follow in the footsteps of its characters.

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Phil Miller Arts Correspondent

To coincide with the US premiere of the historic time-travel show today, fans of the bestselling books can now view a new interactive VisitScotland map.

The online guide highlights real locations featured in Diana Gabaldon's first two Outlander novels as well as visitor attractions and historical sites that have a strong connection to the Scotland-set literary success.

The map was due to go live at www.visitscotland.com/outlander at midnight last night. It forms part of a wider £40,000 VisitScotland marketing campaign titled Scotland: The Land That Inspired Outlander.

The 16-part series follows the story of Claire Randall (played by Caitriona Balfe), a married English combat nurse from 1945 who, while on her honeymoon in Inverness, is swept back to the 18th century. There she meets Jamie (played by Scottish actor Sam Heughan), a chivalrous young warrior.

Among the locations featured on the map are the Palace of Holyrood House and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, where the protagonists meet Bonnie Prince Charlie; Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, where they go in search of the loch's most famous resident; and Fort William, which plays a key role in Gabaldon's novels.

In addition, the VisitScotland itinerary features attractions such as Culloden Battlefield, the Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore, and the Clava Cairns standing stones near ­Inverness, believed to be the inspiration for the fictional Craigh na Dun - the site where Claire is mysteriously swept back in time.

Lorna Ewan, head of ­visitor experience, content and learning at Historic Scotland, said: "The Outlander books feature a number of iconic landmarks, while many of the fictional locations were inspired by real places. Craigh na Dun, a key location in the books, shares similarities with a number of prehistoric places including the Bronze Age cemetery Clava Cairns, near Inverness.

"Picturesque Urquhart Castle is also name-checked and is a must-see for Outlander fans. I am delighted that some of our most outstanding sites have provided inspiration for a story which has captured the imaginations of readers around the world."

Filming began last ­October in locations including Glasgow, Perthshire, Fife, Edinburgh and West Lothian. It has yet to find a UK broadcaster.

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